Brown snake eagles, also known as short-toed snake eagles, have a unique hunting technique that involves grabbing their prey with their powerful talons and carrying it away to consume. However, contrary to popular belief, they can release their talons at will, and it is not a myth that they lock and cannot be released at will.

The Ratcheting Mechanism in Eagle’s Feet

Eagles have a ratcheting mechanism in their feet that helps them stay upright while perching. This mechanism is often mistaken for a locking mechanism that prevents the eagle from releasing its talons. However, this is not the case. Brown snake eagles can still release their talons whenever they want, despite this ratcheting mechanism.

Hunting Technique of Brown Snake Eagles

Image source: Brown snake eagle By Derek Keats

Brown snake eagles primarily feed on reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and occasionally, turtles. They have a specialized hunting technique that involves grabbing their prey with their talons and carrying it away to consume. They have been known to take prey as heavy as 6.3 kg (14 lb) on average, such as lace monitors (Varanus varius).

Lifting Power of Brown Snake Eagles

While brown snake eagles can carry heavy loads, they are still governed by aerodynamics, and their lifting power is estimated to be around four or five pounds. They can carry heavier loads a short distance, but they may struggle to take off with a heavier load from a dead stop.

Prey Selection of Brown Snake Eagles

Brown snake eagles seldom seem to hunt other types of reptiles, such as pythons or crocodiles, perhaps because these reptiles are too formidable to attack. They prefer to focus on smaller, more manageable prey, such as snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Conclusion

In summary, brown snake eagles can release their talons at will, and it is not a myth that they lock and cannot be released at will. They have a specialized hunting technique that involves grabbing their prey with their talons and carrying it away to consume. While they can carry heavy loads, they are still governed by aerodynamics, and their lifting power is estimated to be around four or five pounds. They primarily feed on reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and occasionally, turtles, but they seldom hunt larger, more formidable reptiles.

References:
– Wedge-tailed eagle – Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedge-tailed_eagle
– Eagle Flight and Other Myths, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Retrieved from https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=343
– Types of Eagles Guide – Birding Insider. Retrieved from https://birdinginsider.com/types-of-eagles-guide/
– Short-toed Snake-eagle | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/short-toed-snake-eagle/.